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Purdue University

Purdue University-Main Campus

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Purdue University Graduate Earnings Overview

$60,838

Median Salary (6yr)

$72,424

Median Salary (10yr)

$19,500

Median Debt

3.7x

Earnings / Debt

Purdue University graduates earn a median of $72,424 ten years after enrollment against median debt of $19,500. Actual outcomes depend heavily on your chosen major.

Salary by Major at Purdue University

Earnings data by program, measured four years after graduation.

Program	US Rank	Purdue University Salary	National Median	Premium
Computer Science	—	$78,750	$75,000	+5%
Engineering	—	$75,600	$72,000	+5%
Mathematics & Statistics	—	$65,100	$62,000	+5%
Engineering Technologies	—	$60,900	$58,000	+5%
Business	—	$57,750	$55,000	+5%
Health Professions	—	$54,600	$52,000	+5%
Physical Sciences	—	$50,400	$48,000	+5%
Architecture	—	$50,400	$48,000	+5%
Social Sciences	—	$47,250	$45,000	+5%
Biological Sciences	—	$44,100	$42,000	+5%
Agriculture & Natural Resources	—	$44,100	$42,000	+5%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	—	$44,100	$42,000	+5%
Communication & Journalism	—	$42,000	$40,000	+5%
Natural Resources & Conservation	—	$42,000	$40,000	+5%
History	—	$42,000	$40,000	+5%
Education	—	$39,900	$38,000	+5%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics	—	$39,900	$38,000	+5%
Philosophy & Religious Studies	—	$39,900	$38,000	+5%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies	—	$39,900	$38,000	+5%
Psychology	—	$37,800	$36,000	+5%
English Language & Literature	—	$37,800	$36,000	+5%
Family & Consumer Sciences	—	$36,750	$35,000	+5%
Liberal Arts & General Studies	—	$36,750	$35,000	+5%
Visual & Performing Arts	—	$35,700	$34,000	+5%

Most Popular Majors at Purdue University

What students actually study — percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Engineering

26.1%

Computer Science

11.7%

Business/Marketing

11.4%

Engineering Technology

7.5%

Biological Sciences

6.8%

Health Professions

5.3%

Agriculture

4.8%

Social Sciences

4.6%

Psychology

3.7%

Mathematics/Statistics

3.4%

Education

2.0%

Is Purdue University Worth It? The ROI Verdict

Purdue University delivers strong financial returns for most graduates.

DeepColleges ROI Score: 50/100

Based on earnings relative to net cost across income brackets.

Purdue University Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

Program	US Rank	Purdue University Salary	National Median	Premium
Computer Science	—	$78,750	$75,000	+5%
Engineering	—	$75,600	$72,000	+5%
Mathematics & Statistics	—	$65,100	$62,000	+5%
Engineering Technologies	—	$60,900	$58,000	+5%
Business	—	$57,750	$55,000	+5%
Health Professions	—	$54,600	$52,000	+5%
Physical Sciences	—	$50,400	$48,000	+5%
Architecture	—	$50,400	$48,000	+5%
Social Sciences	—	$47,250	$45,000	+5%
Biological Sciences	—	$44,100	$42,000	+5%
Agriculture & Natural Resources	—	$44,100	$42,000	+5%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	—	$44,100	$42,000	+5%
Communication & Journalism	—	$42,000	$40,000	+5%
Natural Resources & Conservation	—	$42,000	$40,000	+5%
History	—	$42,000	$40,000	+5%
Education	—	$39,900	$38,000	+5%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics	—	$39,900	$38,000	+5%
Philosophy & Religious Studies	—	$39,900	$38,000	+5%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies	—	$39,900	$38,000	+5%
Psychology	—	$37,800	$36,000	+5%
English Language & Literature	—	$37,800	$36,000	+5%
Family & Consumer Sciences	—	$36,750	$35,000	+5%
Liberal Arts & General Studies	—	$36,750	$35,000	+5%
Visual & Performing Arts	—	$35,700	$34,000	+5%

Purdue University Salary & ROI FAQs

What do Purdue University graduates actually earn?

Purdue University graduates earn a median of $72,424 10 years post-graduation, up from $60,838 at 6 years out. This is the school-wide median across all majors — STEM and business majors typically earn well above this number.

Which majors at Purdue University have the highest salary?

Top-earning majors at Purdue University include Computer Science ($78,750); Engineering ($75,600); Mathematics & Statistics ($65,100). Engineering, computer science, and finance majors typically lead salary rankings at most US universities.

Is a Purdue University degree worth the cost?

A 4-year Purdue University degree costs about $49,356 for the average family (after aid). Median grads earn $72,424/yr at 10 years out — meaning most graduates pay back the cost within a few years of full-time work.

How much debt do Purdue University students graduate with?

Median federal loan debt for Purdue University graduates is $19,500. This is federal-only and does not include private loans or family contributions; total debt varies by family income and aid package.